Luminous Glass Window Thin Film for Uniform Light Scattering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glass windows with luminous capabilities often have uneven luminance distribution, with intensity fading out from the edges towards the center, and struggle to achieve a balance between luminous area and brightness while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A glass window design featuring a silicon oxide-based thin film layer with dispersed fine particles like indium tin oxide, positioned at the edge of a soda-lime glass sheet, which acts as an optical waveguide, scattering light to create a balanced luminous effect with controlled particle size and concentration for optimal luminance and haze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned at edge portions of the glass window, then luminous capability is achieved, but luminance distribution becomes uneven with intensity fading from edges towards center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning light sources specifically at edge portions of the glass window rather than uniformly across the surface. This localized light source placement creates a specific luminance distribution pattern where edges are brighter and the center is dimmer, which is intentional for achieving ambient lighting effects while reducing glare and energy consumption compared to uniform illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If particles such as indium tin oxide and titanium oxide are used for light scattering, then luminance is generated, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining indium tin oxide (ITO) particles with titanium oxide particles in a glass lamination structure. This composite approach allows the ITO particles to provide primary light scattering for luminance generation while titanium oxide particles enhance the scattering effect and provide UV protection, achieving better overall performance than either material alone while managing material costs through synergistic combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the particle size, concentration, and distribution of ITO and titanium oxide particles within the glass lamination. By optimizing these parameters, the patent achieves effective light scattering and luminance generation while minimizing the amount of expensive ITO material required, thus balancing performance with manufacturing cost.
3Illumination intensity
If particles are dissolved in polymeric matrix or screen print paint, then light scattering is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light scattering function with the glass lamination structure itself. Instead of using separate polymeric matrices or screen print paint layers, the ITO and titanium oxide particles are incorporated directly into the glass lamination during the glass manufacturing process. This integration eliminates additional manufacturing steps and materials while achieving effective light scattering through the glass window.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves a uniform and vivid luminous effect across the glass window, maintaining a good balance between luminous area and brightness while keeping costs manageable by optimizing the thin film layer thickness and particle distribution.
Implementation Method 1
visible light scattering at particles such as indium tin oxide and/or titanium oxide in a glass lamination
Implementation Method 2
which acts as an optical waveguide, scattering light to create a balanced luminous effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a glass window having a luminous capability, which is suitable for use in automotive applications, architectural applications, or other applications. Exemplary embodiments of a glass window having a luminous capability include one or more glass sheet layers, a thin film layer having fine particles dispersed in a matrix of a thin film material, and at least one light source for introducing light into the thin film layer. The fine particles scatter the light and generate luminousness of the glass window. Exemplary embodiments of a glass window having luminous capability may further include one or more resinous sheet layers or one or more interlayers such as a plastic film layer.